Mortgage Rates for Second Homes and High Balance Mortgages are Going UP

The FHFA announced today that the pricing of mortgage interest rates for second homes or high balance mortgages will be more expensive. This impacts conventional mortgages (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) and is effective for loans that are delivered on or after April 1, 2022 – i.e. I expect to see the price increases to start happening soon. [Read more…]

Big Expensive Changes for Second Homes and Investment Properties

Last night, Fannie Mae announced they are essentially going to be limiting how many second homes and investment properties they will provide mortgages for. This is largely due to the additional risk associated with second homes and investment properties. This goes into effect with loans delivered to Fannie Mae on April 1, 2021 – which pretty much means “immediately” as mortgage loans are delivered to Fannie Mae (or Freddie Mac) after they close…sometimes weeks after they close with the originating mortgage company. [Read more…]

New Mortgage Programs!

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Dear Rhonda “Is this a second home or primary residence”?

mpj038267400001I recently received this question from one of my readers:

Dear Rhonda,
I am looking for information about the general way loans are done related to primary residence or second home.

I currently own 2 duplexes. My wife and I are renting and working in a location that is around 130 miles away from the location the home we want to buy is located. My wife has no loans in her name and was able to qualify due to good credit and job at current location 130 miles from home we want to buy. We are trying to buy a place that is far from our work with the plans of moving to this location. [Read more…]

Converting your existing home to a rental property

mortgage porter sold home

If you are buying your next home, you may be considering converting your existing home into a rental or second home. The lender on your new home will have different requirements depending on what type of financing you’re obtaining. [Read more…]

Do you own a rental property in Seattle? Read this!

Rental property in SeattleIf you own rental property located in Seattle, you need to be aware of fairly new requirements, created by the Seattle City Council, to register your investment property. This city ordinance, the Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) impacts landlords and property managers who have multiple units to those who have just one rental home. There are some exceptions, check the ordinance for more information.

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Delayed Financing: How Cash Buyers Can Access Equity After Paying Cash (Updated for 2026)

What is Delayed Financing Cash Out RefinanceEditors Note: This article on Delayed Financing has been updated for 2026.

Many homebuyers choose to pay cash to win a competitive offer or simplify the purchase process. But after closing, a common question comes up:

“Now that I own the home outright, how can I access some of that equity?”

That’s where delayed financing comes in.

Delayed financing allows buyers who purchased a home with cash to take out a mortgage shortly after closing — without waiting the typical 12-month seasoning period required for a cash-out refinance.

This strategy can be especially useful for buyers who want liquidity, flexibility, or the ability to reinvest funds after a cash purchase. [Read more…]

eBook: Financing Your First Investment Property

This is the second edition of my slide-book, Financing Your First Investment Property.

In this edition, loan limits and mortgage programs have been updated.

If I can help you with the financing of your first (second or third) investment property located in Washington state, please contact me!